BRIAN LEONARD,
Sir, - So, at last Aer Rianta is waking up to the chaotic situation at our Dublin airport by threatening to enforce the by-law to make airlines improve their handling procedures for passengers and baggage (The Irish Times, August 31st). Unfortunately, the managers of the airline companies don't appear to read The Irish Times.
I returned from a conference trip to the Far East today intending to catch the connecting Aer Aran flight from Dublin to Galway. Together with several other passengers, I missed the flight because there was only one check-in representative for City Jet, the handling agent, on duty to service the Aer Aran flights that were due to depart during the early afternoon.
On six occasions in the past six weeks I have arrived at my destination in Europe (or on my return to Galway) without my luggage, which had failed to be transferred through Dublin airport. This situation contrasts with my experience of other airports in Europe, North America and the Middle East when my luggage has failed to arrive at its destination on only two occasions in the past year. I should stress that I am a regular air traveller to these destinations.
In my experience, Dublin airport has become one of the most congested, and least considerate to its passengers, in Europe. To add to the lack of consideration which Aer Rianta shows to its customers, luggage trolleys are no longer provided free of charge, a situation which is unique in the major European airports. Presumably passengers from abroad are expected to arrive with a supply of 1 euro coins to avail of facilities which are free in other airports. When I complained to City Jet about the appalling situation regarding the baggage handing and check-in procedures, I was informed that it was the fault of Aer Rianta.
Despite the "low-cost" airlines, many passengers are obliged to use the services of "full-cost" airlines. Surely it is time for the managements of those airlines, together with Aer Rianta, to provide the proper service which their customers have every right to expect. - Yours, etc.,
BRIAN LEONARD, Emeritus Professor, Tullykyne, Co Galway.